Real gaffer tapes are very strong tapes and can take lots of tension, and yes you can almost do tug of war with it. :sweat:

However, when working in a studio or theatre, carrying an extra scissors or cutter can be a hassle, esp when you're 8 metres off the ground. The beauty of these Pro grade gaffers allows you to actually tear it with your fingers both length-wise and breath-wise. This is because of the polyester fibre nature of the tape.

A crude analogy would be your typical Twisties, Doritos or Potato chips packet. The plastic is quite tough to even stretch, but if you know to where and how to tear, it's quite an easy task.

When I first did the MO for gaffer tapes in feb last year, there were about 8 orders for the tape. More CSers are confident with this product now and the number of orders have grown - the last MO, I brought in 62 rolls of black tape, and I have a waiting list now, not counting those who've included their names on the last MO list in consumer section.

Senior Member

Real gaffer tapes are very strong tapes and can take lots of tension, and yes you can almost do tug of war with it. :sweat:

However, when working in a studio or theatre, carrying an extra scissors or cutter can be a hassle, esp when you're 8 metres off the ground. The beauty of these Pro grade gaffers allows you to actually tear it with your fingers both length-wise and breath-wise. This is because of the polyester fibre nature of the tape.

A crude analogy would be your typical Twisties, Doritos or Potato chips packet. The plastic is quite tough to even stretch, but if you know to where and how to tear, it's quite an easy task.

When I first did the MO for gaffer tapes in feb last year, there were about 8 orders for the tape. More CSers are confident with this product now and the number of orders have grown - the last MO, I brought in 62 rolls of black tape, and I have a waiting list now, not counting those who've included their names on the last MO list in consumer section.

New Member

Having worked in a theater using professional gaffer's tape. I can assure you that REAL gaffers tape can be torn with your hands. As mentioned, both length and breath-wise. That is the beauty of it. Plus the fact that it does not leave a sticky residue behind.

Fun Fact: Did you know that theater/performing arts groups in the Esplanade are required to use professional gaffer's tape in the concert hall and theater.

Senior Member

Having worked in a theater using professional gaffer's tape. I can assure you that REAL gaffers tape can be torn with your hands. As mentioned, both length and breath-wise. That is the beauty of it. Plus the fact that it does not leave a sticky residue behind.

Fun Fact: Did you know that theater/performing arts groups in the Esplanade are required to use professional gaffer's tape in the concert hall and theater.

Senior Member

in theatres they are used to tape the wires down onto the floor or wall.. example a mic from the stand to the socket on the floor... but for our cameras, it is to protect the camera from being scratched or being recognised.

As Tzuen has mentioned, there are only a few brands of tapes that you can used inside places like Esplanade, and they are extremely sticky about it (no puns intended).

Apollo (the one I bring in) and Permacel (about $52 per roll :sweat: ) are the ones that among the list of 'approved' tapes.

Unless you need tapes that has high thermal or chemical resistence plus reusebility, you won't need Permacel. So long you're not shooting a volcano during an eruption with a 14mm lens or running your equipment through acidic medium, Apollo should suffice

Senior Member

As Tzuen has mentioned, there are only a few brands of tapes that you can used inside places like Esplanade, and they are extremely sticky about it (no puns intended).

Apollo (the one I bring in) and Permacel (about $52 per roll :sweat: ) are the ones that among the list of 'approved' tapes.

Unless you need tapes that has high thermal or chemical resistence plus reusebility, you won't need Permacel. So long you're not shooting a volcano during an eruption with a 14mm lens or running your equipment through acidic medium, Apollo should suffice

New Member

I use "gaffer" on my equipment too... but I'm not sure if mine is the real thing.
I bought it at Bunnings (huge hardware shop chain in AUstralia), and mine clearly states Gaffer Tape. It seems to be threaded on the inside, its black and looks textured. The material on the outside is a little shiny, smooth, but textured due to the internal threads. It does not leave residue.

Senior Member

I use "gaffer" on my equipment too... but I'm not sure if mine is the real thing.
I bought it at Bunnings (huge hardware shop chain in AUstralia), and mine clearly states Gaffer Tape. It seems to be threaded on the inside, its black and looks textured. The material on the outside is a little shiny, smooth, but textured due to the internal threads. It does not leave residue.

Not sure what brand you're using. The problem is that the term "gaffer" is so loosely used these days to refer to tapes that can be used to stick on equipment; so long they are black and can stick and wrap your equipment, they're called gaffers.

Using the caviar analogy. Strictly speaking "caviar" is a delicacy that comes from the roe of sturgeons and cost $50USD per teaspoon. Nowadays, you can find "caviar" in NTUC that cost only $5 for a big tin, which in actual fact is roe from lumpfish.